Tile Piled to the Ceiling, but Prices Down at Floor Level
One of the many charms of older homes is the extensive use of ceramic tiles. I remember as a kid that my father insisted on ceramic tile walls to the ceiling in the kitchen and bathrooms. “Low maintenance and will last forever,” he reasoned.
The ceramic tiles on today’s market are much more varied than in my father’s day. They come in marbleized, high-gloss and matte finish, and in a variety of colors and patterns. Just about every ceramic tile made is part of the broad inventory at OTW Tile Warehouse in downtown Los Angeles.
The 18,000-square-foot warehouse is loaded to the ceiling with tiles from Italy, Spain and France and also has some vinyl floor tiles from Asia. It is this volume that enables owner Andre Obalek to sell at prices that beat even the major home-improvement discounters. Wall tiles (4 1/4 by 4 1/4 inches) start at 99 cents a square foot for white or bone “Builders Choice,” which may or may not have slight imperfections.
For colors, the price goes up to $1.99. Floor tiles also start at 99 cents in a marbleized or matte finish and, for a high-gloss marbleized look, figure $1.49 to $1.89. Even the large tiles, 18 by 18 inches, are only $1.95 per square foot, far below wholesale and below prices anywhere else in town.
The selection at the OTW Tile Warehouse is probably as good as it gets, better than I’ve seen anywhere, and it’s all on hand, ready to go out the door.
Owner Andre Obalek, who came to the United States from Poland at 27, and his personnel are a joy to deal with. Knowledgeable and courteous, they are willing to navigate the aisles to find exactly what you’re looking for. Obalek was at this location for many years, then sold the business and opened in Orange County, where he had a successful operation for 10 years. Recently he bought his Hill Street location back, and it’s now completely stocked. Contractors and apartment owners are among his biggest customers.
Aside from the tiles, everything needed to install them is on hand, including grout, mortar mix, underlay board and mastics.
* OTW Tile Warehouse, 2301 So. Hill St., Los Angeles. (213) 748-4664. MC & Visa. Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat., 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Weekend Supersale
Designer/manufacturer Irving Mitzman has decided to close his design room for women’s apparel to the public, and bargain shoppers are descending in droves. More than 800 first-quality garments that are selling in upscale boutiques all over town are being liquidated at 90% off retail. Pantsuits that sell for $320 at one major store are marked $39.99. Cocktail dresses for $15 and $22.99 sell in the stores for $149. With prices like these, it’s no wonder that women are buying as many as 12 garments at a time. Sizes 4-14 and some 1X, 2X and 3X.
* Irving Mitzman, 719 S. Los Angeles St., Suite 928. Call first. (213) 688-8891 or (310) 275-8241.
